The pair would then store the shipments in lockers and grind the pods into a fine power, police said. That powder would then be sold, so it could be brewed into a highly potent tea.

Police found the 4,000 pounds of opium poppy pods Tuesday at Singh’s home and lockers. The opium has a street value of $400,000, the department said.

Mountain View police considered this “one of the largest seizures of opium poppy pods ever in the state of California.”

“We’re all very proud of the outstanding detective work involved in putting together this long and complex investigation,” said Capt. Chris Hsiung. “We take great pride in proactively keeping our streets safe and preventing these drugs from reaching our community.”

Both suspects are being held without bail at the Santa Clara County Jail.